<center><strong>Pete Carmichael, offensive coordinator, New Orleans</strong><br>
This is his eighth season with the Saints, and they’ve had one of the league’s most prolific offenses. less

<center><strong>Pete Carmichael, offensive coordinator, New Orleans</strong><br>
This is his eighth season with the Saints, and they’ve had one of the league’s most prolific ... more

Photo: Marc Serota / Getty Images

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<center><strong>David Shaw, head coach, Stanford</strong><br>
The former NFL assistant is so hot right now he can almost have his pick of jobs if he wants to move.

<center><strong>David Shaw, head coach, Stanford</strong><br>
The former NFL assistant is so hot right now he can almost have his pick of jobs if he wants to move.

Photo: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images

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<center><strong>Greg Roman, offensive coordinator, San Francisco</strong><br>
The former Texans’ assistant excelled under Jim Harbaugh at Stanford and followed him to the 49ers.

<center><strong>Greg Roman, offensive coordinator, San Francisco</strong><br>
The former Texans’ assistant excelled under Jim Harbaugh at Stanford and followed him to the 49ers.

Photo: Stephen Lam / Getty Images

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Texans’ ‘nightmare’ season costs Kubiak his dream job

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A Texans season that began with Super Bowl aspirations collapsed to an unthinkable 11 straight losses, an NFL-worst 2-11 record and, now, a head-coaching search.

Gary Kubiak was fired by Texans owner Bob McNair on Friday.

Kubiak led the Texans to back-to-back AFC South division titles and the franchise’s only two playoff victories in the last two seasons but finished 61-64, just three games shy of completing his eighth full season as the head coach of his hometown team.

McNair made the decision on the flight home following Thursday night’s 27-20 nationally televised loss to Jacksonville — the Texans’ second loss in 11 days to the Jaguars, who owned the NFL’s worst record before their win in Houston.

“It was difficult for me because I think so much of Gary,” said McNair, obviously distraught over the decision. “It’s something that I didn’t want to do, but you do what’s best for the organization. We’re thankful for the job that he’s done for us.”

McNair promoted defensive coordinator Wade Phillips to interim coach for the last three games against Indianapolis, Denver and Tennessee.

Phillips, who has a career record of 82-61 as a head coach, will be a candidate for the permanent position. Expected to be among the other candidates are former Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith and Stanford coach David Shaw.

McNair said interviews to find Kubiak’s replacement will begin immediately. Rick Smith and Cal McNair also will be part of the interview process.

“We’re looking for a coach that’s bright, ethical, whose culture fits in with the culture of our organization, innovative, flexible, able to make adjustments, works with great energy and enthusiasm and is very positive in his approach,” McNair said.

Also at the news conference, McNair said Case Keenum will be the starting quarterback for the rest of the season.

Later on Friday, the Texans also fired special teams coordinator Joe Marciano, who joined the organization in its inaugural season of 2002, and replaced him with Bob Ligashesky, the assistant special teams coach.

Lovie Smith led the Bears to a Super Bowl before getting fired after posting a 10-6 record last season. Shaw has an NFL background as an assistant coach and is 33-6 in three seasons as the head coach at Stanford.

“We would like someone who has had head-coaching experience but has also had NFL experience,” McNair said. “A combination of those two things would be the ideal situation, and there are people who meet those conditions.”

‘Always our home’

Kubiak, a former St. Pius and Texas A&M quarterback, was in his first head-coaching position, and he thanked McNair in a statement.

“Bob has treated me with the utmost class and respect throughout my career with the Texans,” said Kubiak, who was an assistant coach in 11 years in Denver before being called to come home. “I am appreciative of him for bringing me back to Houston to coach my hometown team.

“Coming back home was a dream come true for all of us. This will always be our home.”

It’s been a trying year for Kubiak health-wise as well, as he suffered a mini-stroke at halftime of the Indianapolis game and missed the trip to Arizona the next week.

McNair’s decision was made after Thursday night’s defeat at Jacksonville.

“The last straw was losing,” McNair said. “We’ve got a lot better talent than Jacksonville, and to have them beat us twice, that’s to their credit. They played harder. They played smarter.

“That’s not acceptable to us. We expect to play hard and play smart, and we didn’t play smart.

In the 27-20 defeat to the Jaguars that tied the 1972 and 1994 Oilers for the longest losing streak in Houston’s pro football history, the Texans set team records with 14 penalties for 177 yards.

“To have this string of losses is just totally unacceptable, and it’s not what this organization is about,” McNair said. “We’re about winning and accountability.

“Even though we normally would wait until the end of the year to evaluate our coaching staff and our players, under these extreme circumstances, we decided it was in the best interest of the organization to go ahead and start that evaluation process now.”

Righting the ship

Kubiak, 52, was under contract through 2014.

He led the Texans to back-to-back division titles and a playoff victory in each of the last two seasons.

Kubiak was hired in 2006 to replace Dom Capers, who was fired after the Texans finished 2-14 in 2005.

When general manager Charley Casserly resigned after the 2006 draft, Kubiak recommended Rick Smith to McNair. Kubiak and Smith worked together in Denver.
“We’ve been together for almost 18 years,” Smith said. “I’ve got a tremendous amount of respect for him.

“We’ve got to right the ship, and that’s what this decision, unfortunately, is about. You’ve got to really be honest and look at what you’re doing and why you’re doing it.”

The Texans’ plummet began last season when they were 11-1 but finished 1-3. They beat Cincinnati in a wild-card game for the second year in a row before being eliminated at New England in the divisional round.

Since that 11-1 start, the Texans are 3-14 in the regular season.

Last season, the Texans were 5-0 in one-score games. They began this season 2-0. Then they couldn’t win close games, losing the last seven by seven or fewer points. That’s an NFL-record stretch, according to Elias Sports.

“Clearly, right now, we have not been productive over the last 11 weeks,” Smith said, “and we have to figure out why.”

Before each of the last two seasons, the Texans were a popular choice by NFL experts to contend for the city’s first Super Bowl.

“We don’t have to do a lot to get us back on track,” McNair said. “We expect to be right back in playoff contention next year. This is not a long-term rebuilding process.”

In his eight seasons as Texans head coach, Gary Kubiak compiled a 61-64 record.

In his eight seasons as Texans head coach, Gary Kubiak compiled a 61-64 record.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak when he was quarterback of St. Pius in 1977.

Gary Kubiak when he was quarterback of St. Pius in 1977.

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Gary Kubiak made the Greater Houston magazine cover in 1978.

Gary Kubiak made the Greater Houston magazine cover in 1978.

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Gary Kubiak on the sidelines as Texas A&M's quarterback in 1981.

Gary Kubiak on the sidelines as Texas A&M's quarterback in 1981.

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Gary Kubiak runs with the ball during his days as a quarterback at A&M.

Gary Kubiak runs with the ball during his days as a quarterback at A&M.

Photo: File photo

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Gary Kubiak attempts a pass against UH.

Gary Kubiak attempts a pass against UH.

Photo: Houston Post file photo

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Gary Kubiak signing autographs for young Aggies fans in 1982.

Gary Kubiak signing autographs for young Aggies fans in 1982.

Photo: File photo

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Photo: Sharon Steinmann / Houston Chronicle

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Broncos kicker David Treadwell, left, celebrates with Kubiak after Treadwell's field goal beat the Oilers on Jan. 4, 1992, in a playoff game in Denver. Kubiak played nine years in the NFL, all with the Broncos. less

Broncos kicker David Treadwell, left, celebrates with Kubiak after Treadwell's field goal beat the Oilers on Jan. 4, 1992, in a playoff game in Denver. Kubiak played nine years in the NFL, all with the ... more

Photo: Kerwin Plevka / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak watches the Broncos with coach Mike Shanahan, left, during practice Jan. 20, 2006, before the AFC Championship Game. Kubiak served as a Broncos assistant for 11 seasons.

Gary Kubiak watches the Broncos with coach Mike Shanahan, left, during practice Jan. 20, 2006, before the AFC Championship Game. Kubiak served as a Broncos assistant for 11 seasons.

Photo: Ed Andrieski / Associated Press

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Gary Kubiak is introduced as the second head coach in Texans history on Jan. 26, 2006. Team owner Bob McNair shakes Kubiak's hand during the introductory news conference.

Gary Kubiak is introduced as the second head coach in Texans history on Jan. 26, 2006. Team owner Bob McNair shakes Kubiak's hand during the introductory news conference.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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From left to right: Bob and Janice McNair, and Rhonda and Gary Kubiak pose for photos after the introductory news conference.

From left to right: Bob and Janice McNair, and Rhonda and Gary Kubiak pose for photos after the introductory news conference.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak's mother, Willie Mae, left, talks with Gary's former coach at St. Pius High School, Rene Hancock, right, as Kubiak's father, Alfred (in the center) listens after the introductory news conference. less

Gary Kubiak's mother, Willie Mae, left, talks with Gary's former coach at St. Pius High School, Rene Hancock, right, as Kubiak's father, Alfred (in the center) listens after the introductory news ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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On Feb. 10, 2006, the Texans exercise a three-year $8 million extension on David Carr's contract.

On Feb. 10, 2006, the Texans exercise a three-year $8 million extension on David Carr's contract.

Photo: Craig Hartley / For the Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak talks with Texas coach Mack Brown at the UT Pro Day in Austin on March 22, 2006.

Gary Kubiak talks with Texas coach Mack Brown at the UT Pro Day in Austin on March 22, 2006.

Photo: Kevin Fujii / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak talks to assistant coach Mike Sherman, not pictured as Charley Casserly, back, talks on the phone in the Texans War room at Reliant Stadium before the 2006 NFL draft.

Gary Kubiak talks to assistant coach Mike Sherman, not pictured as Charley Casserly, back, talks on the phone in the Texans War room at Reliant Stadium before the 2006 NFL draft.

Gary Kubiak, center, is splashed with water by DeMeco Ryans (out of photo), Mario Williams (90) and Anthony Weaver (92) after the Texans beat the Miami Dolphins 17-15 on Oct. 1, 2006 to give Kubiak his first win as Texans coach. less

Gary Kubiak, center, is splashed with water by DeMeco Ryans (out of photo), Mario Williams (90) and Anthony Weaver (92) after the Texans beat the Miami Dolphins 17-15 on Oct. 1, 2006 to give Kubiak his first ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak walks off the field after the Texans defeated the Cleveland Browns 14-6 in the 2006 season finale. The Texans finished the season with a 6-10 record.

Gary Kubiak walks off the field after the Texans defeated the Cleveland Browns 14-6 in the 2006 season finale. The Texans finished the season with a 6-10 record.

Photo: Steve Campbell / Houston Chronicle

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From left to right: Gary Kubiak, owner Bob McNair, quarterback Matt Schaub and general manager Rick Smith pose a photo during the news conference announcing Schaub's new contract. The Texans acquired the quarterback in March 2007 trade with the Atlanta Falcons. less

From left to right: Gary Kubiak, owner Bob McNair, quarterback Matt Schaub and general manager Rick Smith pose a photo during the news conference announcing Schaub's new contract. The Texans acquired the ... more

Photo: Nathan Lindstrom / For the Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak, right, looks on as boxing legend Evander Holyfield speaks to the Texans during OTAs in May 2007.

Gary Kubiak, right, looks on as boxing legend Evander Holyfield speaks to the Texans during OTAs in May 2007.

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak talks with then Texas A&M head football coach Dennis Franchione during training camp in 2007.

Gary Kubiak talks with then Texas A&M head football coach Dennis Franchione during training camp in 2007.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak, left, talks with former Oilers head coach Bum Phillips before practice during training camp in 2007.

Gary Kubiak, left, talks with former Oilers head coach Bum Phillips before practice during training camp in 2007.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak gives instructions to Matt Schaub during a 26-16 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 30, 2007. Schaub threw nine touchdown passes and nine interceptions in 11 starts during his first season with the Texans. less

Gary Kubiak gives instructions to Matt Schaub during a 26-16 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 30, 2007. Schaub threw nine touchdown passes and nine interceptions in 11 starts during his first season with ... more

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak talks with Saints running back Reggie Bush after a Texans' 23-10 win on Nov. 18, 2007. The Texans passed on Bush in the 2006 draft. Instead, they chose Mario Williams with the No. 1 overall pick. less

Gary Kubiak talks with Saints running back Reggie Bush after a Texans' 23-10 win on Nov. 18, 2007. The Texans passed on Bush in the 2006 draft. Instead, they chose Mario Williams with the No. 1 overall ... more

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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The Texans posted an 8-8 record during the 2007 season.

The Texans posted an 8-8 record during the 2007 season.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak argues a spot call with referee Terry McAulay, left, during the first quarter of the Texans' 38-17 2008 season-opening loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Gary Kubiak argues a spot call with referee Terry McAulay, left, during the first quarter of the Texans' 38-17 2008 season-opening loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Texans running back Chris Brown throws the infamous "halfback pass" which was intercepted in the fourth quarter of the Texans' 23-18 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Dec. 6, 2009. The play call was one of the most scrutinized decision's of Kubiak's tenure with the Texans. less

Texans running back Chris Brown throws the infamous "halfback pass" which was intercepted in the fourth quarter of the Texans' 23-18 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Dec. 6, 2009. The play call was one of ... more

Photo: Stephen Morton / Associated Press

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The Texans won the final four games of their 2009 season to finish 9-7, the first winning campaign in franchise history.

The Texans won the final four games of their 2009 season to finish 9-7, the first winning campaign in franchise history.

Gary Kubiak and Jacoby Jones walk on the sidelines during the Texans' 34-28 OT loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Dec. 13, 2010.

Gary Kubiak and Jacoby Jones walk on the sidelines during the Texans' 34-28 OT loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Dec. 13, 2010.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak walks onto the field before the Texans' 24-23 loss to the Tim Tebow-led Denver Broncos on Dec. 26, 2010.

Gary Kubiak walks onto the field before the Texans' 24-23 loss to the Tim Tebow-led Denver Broncos on Dec. 26, 2010.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Texans fan Kris Mitchell dons a paper bag outside Reliant Stadium before the 2010 season finale. Mitchell was one of three "protesters" outside the stadium calling for Texans head coach Gary Kubiak to be fired. less

Texans fan Kris Mitchell dons a paper bag outside Reliant Stadium before the 2010 season finale. Mitchell was one of three "protesters" outside the stadium calling for Texans head coach Gary Kubiak to be ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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The Texans finished the season with a disappointing 6-10 record.

The Texans finished the season with a disappointing 6-10 record.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak addresses the media during a news conference on Jan. 3, 2011. The team announced Kubiak would remain as the head coach.

Gary Kubiak addresses the media during a news conference on Jan. 3, 2011. The team announced Kubiak would remain as the head coach.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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In July 2011, Gary Kubiak (center) took in a USO Tour to the Middle East. Other coaches made the trip as well, including Jim Mora, Jim Mora Jr. and Ken Whisenhunt.

In July 2011, Gary Kubiak (center) took in a USO Tour to the Middle East. Other coaches made the trip as well, including Jim Mora, Jim Mora Jr. and Ken Whisenhunt.

Photo: Steve Manuel / USO

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Gary Kubiak began the 2011 season with all eyes trained on him and his job.

Gary Kubiak began the 2011 season with all eyes trained on him and his job.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak hired Wade Phillips to replace Frank Bush as the team's defensive coordinator. Phillips helped turned the defense into one of the league's best units.

Gary Kubiak hired Wade Phillips to replace Frank Bush as the team's defensive coordinator. Phillips helped turned the defense into one of the league's best units.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak receives a Gatorade bath after the Texans rallied to score in the final minute to beat the Cincinnati Bengals 20-19 on Dec. 11, 2011. With the victory, the Texans clinched their first postseason berth and first AFC South division title in franchise history. less

Gary Kubiak receives a Gatorade bath after the Texans rallied to score in the final minute to beat the Cincinnati Bengals 20-19 on Dec. 11, 2011. With the victory, the Texans clinched their first postseason ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak holds up a ball while talking to his players and coaches in the locker room after the win over the Bengals.

Gary Kubiak holds up a ball while talking to his players and coaches in the locker room after the win over the Bengals.

Photo: Bill Baptist / Houston Texans

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Gary Kubiak calls a play during the fourth quarter of the Texans' 31-10 AFC wildcard playoff win over the Cincinnati Bengals at Reliant Stadium on Jan. 7, 2012. The win was the franchise's first playoff victory. less

Gary Kubiak calls a play during the fourth quarter of the Texans' 31-10 AFC wildcard playoff win over the Cincinnati Bengals at Reliant Stadium on Jan. 7, 2012. The win was the franchise's first playoff ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak talks with quarterback T.J. Yates during the Texans' 20-13 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional playoff round on Jan. 15, 2012.

Gary Kubiak talks with quarterback T.J. Yates during the Texans' 20-13 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional playoff round on Jan. 15, 2012.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak went with the buzz cut look for the start of training camp in 2012.

Gary Kubiak went with the buzz cut look for the start of training camp in 2012.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Connor Barwin liked it so much that he got the "Kubiak cut" too.

Connor Barwin liked it so much that he got the "Kubiak cut" too.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Former Texan Mario Williams greets Gary Kubiak after the Texans defeated the Buffalo Bills 21-9 on Nov. 4, 2012. 2012 was the best season in franchise history as they posted a 12-4 record, won the AFC South for a second straight year and reached the divisional round of the playoffs. less

Former Texan Mario Williams greets Gary Kubiak after the Texans defeated the Buffalo Bills 21-9 on Nov. 4, 2012. 2012 was the best season in franchise history as they posted a 12-4 record, won the AFC South ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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For the second straight season, the Texans were bounced from the playoffs in the divisional round, this time by Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

For the second straight season, the Texans were bounced from the playoffs in the divisional round, this time by Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak collapsed on the field and suffered a mini-stroke during halftime of the Texans' 27-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 3, 2013.

Gary Kubiak collapsed on the field and suffered a mini-stroke during halftime of the Texans' 27-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 3, 2013.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Wade Phillips served as the Texans interim head coach in place of Gary Kubiak for the Texans' 27-24 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 10, 2013.

Wade Phillips served as the Texans interim head coach in place of Gary Kubiak for the Texans' 27-24 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 10, 2013.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak coached from the press box in a pair of Texans' home losses to the Oakland Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Gary Kubiak coached from the press box in a pair of Texans' home losses to the Oakland Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak returned to the sidelines for the Texans' 34-31 loss to the New England Patriots on Dec. 1, 2013.

Gary Kubiak returned to the sidelines for the Texans' 34-31 loss to the New England Patriots on Dec. 1, 2013.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak kneels on the sidelines during the second half of the Texans' 27-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Dec. 5, 2013. The loss was the team's 11 straight. Kubiak was relieved of his duties the following day ending his eight-year run as Texans' head coach. less

Gary Kubiak kneels on the sidelines during the second half of the Texans' 27-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Dec. 5, 2013. The loss was the team's 11 straight. Kubiak was relieved of his duties the ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Fifty-two days after being fired as head coach of the Texans, the Baltimore Ravens announced the hiring of Kubiak as offensive coordinator. Kubiak's friend Rick Dennison was also hired as Baltimore's quarterbacks coach. less

Fifty-two days after being fired as head coach of the Texans, the Baltimore Ravens announced the hiring of Kubiak as offensive coordinator. Kubiak's friend Rick Dennison was also hired as Baltimore's ... more